Felt like I needed a new challenge, so battling a shortened scale, tuning in 5ths and getting a bow to make the strings sing. But on the odd occasion that I play a note well it sounds really good. It is a 5 string with a low F, so it can work as a short scale electric upright bass.

Well, self praise is no recommendation, but.... I think I am getting a pretty good sound out of it using my fingers. However, The bow is another story altogether! I can hold a note OK without hitting other string too much, and I can give some nice vibrato, but try to do that together and the wheels fall off rather quickly.

Having said that, it is great fun and I’m really enjoying the challenge. Definitely worth having a crack at if you get the chance - as long as your ego can deal with going back to being a beginner again!

Yes, the fret markers have really helped me get started. The scale length is pretty comfortable for my long fingers, but the tuning in 5th makes for some crazy stretches. I’m at my in-laws in the US for a couple of weeks, so haven’t had any opportunity to play it in public yet. Got some work to do before that happens, but hoping to do that sooner rather than later.